The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

16 -- PORT PERRY STAR -- Tues. December 18, 1904 by Shirley J. Kuyt Port Perry, Ont. When the words "Most Memorable" are used to recall a special Christmas, one usually envisions a beautifully decorated tree, its branches hovering over mounds of presents, a sumptuous feast with turkey and all the trimmings and enough good cheer to warm your heart for another whole year. Quite a different picture comes to mind, however, as 1 vividly recall the Christmas of 1938 as my '"'My Mem- orable." I was six years old and my brother nine. Hard times were evident everywhere in the small village of Watford, lying sleepily on the main C.N.R. line between Sarnia and London in Southern Ont- ario farm country. Families were still struggling through diff- icult post-depression years. The only industry in town "Androck Wire Works" paid low wages and employed few people. My Mother, head of a single parent family, -sole provider for two children, was especially feeling the financial pinch. There wasn't any form of government assistance in those days and furthermore most RMy Most Memorable Christmas people were too proud to accept what they called '"handouts." Their whole upbringing had - been steeped in the idea of hard work and self- provision. One ~vening before Christmas, we sat snuggly around the old "Quebec" heater, soak- ing up every ray of escaping heat. Our three-room, sparsely- furnished walk-up flat was filled more with love than possessions. My Mother hugged us both closely and quietly told us that Santa pro- bably wouldn't be com- ing to visit us that year. She went on to explain the real meaning of Christmas, about Jesus born in a manger, and as that beautiful story unfolded, we understood the real message of that special occasion. The next day, at recess, as the girls in my school excitedly told of their expectations from Santa, I blurted out that I knew he wasn't coming that year and furthermore I didn't believe in him at all! When we went into class, the teacher was informed as to what I had said. She took me aside and sternly instructed me not to repeat it again. I trudg- ed home from school with a heavy heart but I Hope vour holiday is aglow with happiness. ~ Happy New Year! from the management . The Watermill Restaurant & Tavern and staff of ~ OPEN -- NEW YEAR'S DAY with Holiday Dining SPECIALS! Star Essay Contest Third Place Class C did not tell my Mother what had happened. I seemed to understand how difficult the sit- uations was for her. That evening, a knock came to our door. It was the local hardware store owner "Mr. McKerch- er,' whose business was under our flat. '"'Come downstairs for a 'moment,"' he said, "I have something for you."' As we entered the beautifully decorated store our eyes filled with wonder! Take your pick of anything said the kindly, rotund proprie- tor with a wave of his hand. Our eyes scanned the shelves, heavily laden with every toy imaginable. That a monumental dec- ision for two small children! Finally, I chose a tiny black doll dressed in a bright calico dress. My brother, always interested in the mili- tary, chose a small, camouflaged tank. We thanked "Mr. McKerh- er' for our gifts and ran upstairs overjoyed to show our Mother. Finally, Christmas Eve arrived. Once again there came a knock to our door. There, to our great surprise, stood a local Rotarian with a huge box laden with every Christmas goody imaginable. A beautiful tree stood beside him. That evening as we decorated the tree with homemade ornaments, our little hearts lept with joy. Many Christmases have long since come and gone. My own family has always been blessed with an over- abundance of every- thing. Each year brings a special, unique cele- bration but somehow the Christmas of 1938 is etched indelibly in my mind as my "Most Memorable." Film searches out the meaning of Christmas Have you had enough of Christmas lights since October, frantic shopping for unnecess- ary presents, Silent Night and Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer blar- ing in every store? Is this all that there is to Christmas? What has happened to the true meaning of Christmas - the birth of Christ and the Church? On Sunday, December 23 at 6:00 p.m., CFTO Channel 9 will televise a special half-hour film made in Israel, featuring Arch- bishop Lewis Garns- worthy of the Anglican Church of Canada. In the film Archbishop Garnsworthy moves in the footsteps of the Lord and searches out mean- ings of the birth of Christ, thus illustrating for us all the continuous desire to re-identify and give new meaning to the roots of our faith and our own life. Home to Bethlehem attempts to help us understand Christmas and our Christian faith. Now is a good time to look again to the Church and find renewed peace and contentment during this blessed occasion. Thanks, all. TIMM'S GARAGE Saintfield, Ont. 985-7515 within it the means of love, power, forgiveness and new life. MAY YOUR DAYS RESOUND WITH HEALTH AND PROSPERITY AT CHRISTMAS. With many thanks for your patronage during this our first year! RAINBOW'S DECORATING CENTRE Sor on = vl Na + 1! of WA - g . Sy AS. ----at ------ a You have our insurance of a Merry Christmas A 4 season, filled with happiness! GERALD BREEN & FAMILY May your stockings be filled with love and cheer, as we thank you for a successful year. Ron Rankin & Son CELEBRATE! | Mey the magic of Christmas bless one and all with the spirit of brotherhood and unity. WILLY & SON SMALL ENGINE REPAIR Willy & Nancy [J Ch (A : A 3 By Xn 1: @% SRL = \ oy oa% A RE IZ WINTERS, SUTHERLAND & MOASE CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS ch ha pa. Sy A Ne = Pe ------